The Green Party of Canada condemns the hatred, racism, misogyny, homophobia, and utter disrespect for treasured Canadian institutions displayed by some of the participants in the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protest in Ottawa.
“We will always defend the right of citizens to assemble in peaceful protest, but what we have seen over the past four days is indefensible,” said interim Green Party Leader Amita Kuttner. “The catalogue of outrages is long, well-documented and, frankly, appalling: flying swastikas and confederate battle flags; desecrating memorials to our veterans and to national hero Terry Fox; stealing food from the homeless; and threatening local residents and businesses.
“Whatever legitimacy this ‘protest’ may have had has been squandered by these images being beamed out of Ottawa.
“As the pandemic drags on, we recognize that many people are struggling, while many more are tired and frustrated. But that does not justify this display of hate and anger in Ottawa. This is a time for Canadians to work together to minimize further sickness and death, and to ensure that the lessons of COVID are learned and acted upon.
“We call on the protesters to end the takeover of our national capital, and we urge all Canadians to follow the advice of public health officials and get vaccinated.”
